Contributor Guidelines
One of the great strengths of Atropos is the mix of people who contribute material for publication. No matter how knowledgeable the expert, we are all capable of learning something new or being surprised by someone else’s observations. Anyone with an interest in butterflies, moths or dragonflies can add something to the subject through their observations. Of course only the more interesting articles and observations are published, but it is hoped that no-one reading this will feel daunted by submitting something for publication.
Written material 
Contributions are welcomed on any aspect of butterflies, moths and dragonflies, their conservation, identification or biology, which are of relevance to Britain, Ireland and the Channel Islands. Short notes on any interesting field observations are welcomed for publication, as are letters to the editor, requests for information, news of forthcoming events and press releases. Information from the rest of the world that may be of relevance to the British Isles (e.g. in terms of migration, importation etc) will also be considered. Authors should provide text on 3.5" disc saved as ASCII (text only), Word for Windows or Word Perfect files plus a hard copy. Apple Mac discs can be accommodated. Alternatively text can be e-mailed to: editor@atropos.info
Typed or clear handwritten articles will also be considered. Style should follow that of previous issues.
Deadlines
- 1 March (for the spring issue)
- 1 July (for the summer/autumn issue)
- 1 December (for the winter issue)
Photographs
Photographs of topical butterflies, moths and dragonflies are welcomed, such as migrants, unusual forms or behaviour, uncommon resident species or species that are mentioned within text provided. Good quality photographs of more common species are occasionally required to illustrate particular articles, such as identification papers. The noticeboard section of this website will be used to appeal for required photographs; important requests will also appear within the pages of Atropos. Photographs of relevant habitats and equipment will also be considered for publication.
In each issue an image is published as the "Photospot" winner. This may be a photograph of an unusual or topical insect or a good quality shot of a more common species. Photographs may be selected on the basis of interest or excellence and the winner receives a £15 book token to be used against purchases from Atropos Books.
In terms of reproduction, slides provide the best results but prints and digital images are perfectly acceptable. We are not able to publish from negatives. Please note that in the case of slides, in order to scan the relevant image the transparency needs to be removed from the slide frame, which may subsequently need remounting. Atropos cannot be held responsible for damage to slides or prints, but needless to say that all possible care is taken. All photographic material will be returned after publication, or sooner if not required.
Regrettably, at this stage we are unable to pay fees for published photographs, but photographers will receive a free copy of the issue in which their photograph appears. Over the years the photographic standard set in Atropos has been high, thanks to the efforts of amateur and professional photographers.
Artwork
Black-and-white line drawings are welcomed for publication, both for front cover illustrations and vignettes within the text. Front cover illustrations reproduce best when supplied at a larger scale and reduced for publication. This is not as important for vignettes. Front cover subjects are generally insects that are either topical to the time of year or the content of the relevant issue. However, this is not always the case.
We are able to pay a nominal fee of £20 for front cover artwork and provide the opportunity to offer the illustration for sale in the classified advertisement section in the back of the journal. All artwork supplied will be returned.
Records
We welcome details of any unusual records of migrant or resident insects, be this in the form of notes for publication or just the date, location and observer details. Both Adrian Parr (co-ordinator of the Migrant Dragonfly Recording Project) and Bernard Skinner (compiler of the annual review of migrant Lepidoptera in the Entomologist’s Record) are on the editorial panel and information sent to us will be made available to them. We are also interested in particularly early or late dates for insects. Records provided via InsectLine will be used as a resource for possible publication. This is a good way of notifying others quickly of important sightings, news of which are broadcast on InsectLine.
Editorial Address 36 Tinker Lane, Meltham, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 4EX
E-mail editor@atropos.info